Air-Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich Perfection

Making a crispy chicken sandwich in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken sandwiches, without sacrificing any of the flavour or crunch. The air fryer method is also quick and easy, and there are endless ways to customise your sandwich.

The key to a juicy fried chicken sandwich is to brine the chicken in a mixture of pickle juice and buttermilk. This tenderises the chicken and gives it a subtle pickle flavour. You can also add hot sauce to the brine for a spicy kick.

For a thick, crunchy coating, coat the chicken in a blend of flour, breadcrumbs and cornstarch. You can also add in some shredded parmesan cheese for an extra crispy bite. Season the coating with salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to taste.

After coating the chicken, spray it with oil and air fry at around 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Serve the fried chicken on a bun with your choice of toppings and sauces. Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, and pickles, while spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard are all great sauce options.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Sandwich in an Air Fryer

Brining the chicken

To brine the chicken, you will need to soak it in a salt solution. This can be done by using the brine from a jar of fresh, refrigerated dill pickles, or by making your own brine solution with buttermilk and pickle juice.

If you are using pickle brine, simply combine the brine with the chicken breasts in a bag or non-reactive container. Leave to refrigerate for four to eight hours.

If you are making your own brine, whisk together buttermilk and pickle juice in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.

The pickle brine will give the chicken a subtle hint of pickle taste. If you want a more intense pickle flavour, allow the chicken to soak in the brine for a couple of hours.

Once the chicken has been brined, it is ready to be coated in flour and breadcrumbs, and then cooked in the air fryer.

Breading the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting and trimming your chicken breasts into portions. A standard portion size is around 4 to 6 ounces, but you can adjust this to your preference. Cover the chicken pieces with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer or a mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step helps ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixtures

You will need three separate mixtures for the breading process: flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

Flour Mixture:

In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings of your choice. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture to help create a crispier coating. Mix the ingredients well.

Egg Mixture:

In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs with a small amount of milk or buttermilk. You can also add a little bit of hot sauce or buffalo sauce to the egg mixture if you want to make it spicy.

Breadcrumb Mixture:

In a third shallow bowl, prepare the breadcrumbs. You can use Panko breadcrumbs or regular fine breadcrumbs. For an extra crunchy texture, mix in a small amount of flour and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now it's time to coat the chicken with the breading mixtures. Here's the three-step process:

• Dip the chicken piece into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dunk the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
• Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture or the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres.

Repeat this process for each piece of chicken, placing the breaded chicken on a plate or a wire rack while you prepare the rest.

Step 4: Rest the Breaded Chicken

Before placing the chicken into the air fryer, let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the breading adhere better to the meat and also allows you to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 380-400°F.

Step 5: Spray with Cooking Oil

Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil or cooking spray. This step helps ensure even browning and crispiness. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, or a cooking spray of your choice.

Now your chicken is ready to be placed into the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipe, flipping the chicken halfway through and spraying again with cooking oil for an even coating.

Once your chicken is cooked to a golden brown crisp, you can assemble your sandwich with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Frying the chicken

Now, let's get to the frying! Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure it's in a single layer. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil – this will help to eliminate any dry flour spots and ensure an even crispiness. Close the air fryer and let it cook for about 9 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken with tongs or a meat fork to allow both sides to cook evenly. Give it another quick spray and cook for an additional 5-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. You'll know it's done when it's golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to assemble your sandwich! Place the chicken on the bottom bun and add your desired toppings and sauces. Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken sandwich!

Assembling the sandwich

Once your chicken is cooked and ready, it's time to assemble your sandwich. Place a piece of chicken on each bun. You can toast your bun beforehand if you prefer.

Next, add your desired toppings and sauces. Common toppings include lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices. You can also add cheese, such as a slice of cheddar or pepper Jack, or a few slices of red onion or crispy bacon.

For the sauce, you can go with a classic spread like mayonnaise or mustard, or make it spicy with sriracha mayo, hot sauce, or buffalo sauce. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own sauce by mixing ingredients like Greek yogurt, chili powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Finally, place the top bun on your sandwich, and it's ready to serve!

Toppings and sauces

Toppings

• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or butter lettuce, add a refreshing crunch to your sandwich. You can use whole leaves or shred them to your desired thickness.
• Tomato: Sliced tomatoes bring a juicy, tangy flavour to the sandwich. You can use regular tomatoes or opt for a sweeter variety like vine-ripened or beefsteak tomatoes.
• Pickles: Dill pickle slices are a classic topping for chicken sandwiches. They provide a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the chicken.
• Jalapenos: For an extra kick, add some pickled jalapeno slices to your sandwich. They will give a spicy, tangy twist to the classic flavours.
• Bacon: For a savoury, smoky flavour, add a couple of slices of crispy bacon to your sandwich. This works especially well with other toppings like lettuce, tomato, and spicy sauces.
• Onion: Raw red onion slices or onion rings can add a sharp, pungent flavour to your sandwich. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for caramelised onions instead.

Sauces

• Spicy Mayonnaise: Combine mayonnaise with hot sauce, such as sriracha, to create a creamy sauce with a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred level of heat.
• BBQ Sauce: Hickory-smoked BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavour to the sandwich. It goes well with the other toppings and the crispy chicken.
• Honey Mustard: A mixture of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey creates a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. You can adjust the ratios to your taste preferences.
• Greek Yogurt Sauce: For a healthier option, make a Greek yogurt sauce by mixing non-fat plain Greek yogurt with a dash of chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This sauce adds a creamy, tangy twist to your sandwich.
• Spicy Feta Dip: If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your sandwich with a spicy feta dip. The salty, spicy feta will create a unique flavour profile that complements the crispy chicken.

Frequently asked questions